The so called rivalry between Mexico's two largest TV networks spills onto the soccer field when Club América faces Morelia Monarcas.
It is called a rivalry between networks because Televisa owns América and TV Azteca owns Morelia.
In what's regarded as the game of the week, the teams face each other in a Week 7 match of the 2011 Clausura Tournament.
América is coming off its first loss with Carlos Reinoso as head coach. Las Águilas were riding a three-match win streak after Reinoso took over from Manolo Lapuente but that ended with a 1-0 loss to Necaxa last week.
"We always prepare to win, so, a loss always hurts América," Reinoso said. "We have to keep our heads up high and face our next opponent."
Morelia, coached by Tomás Boy, is coming off a 4-1 win against Estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.
But Morelia had a shaky start to the tournament, suffering a 5-0 loss to Atlas on the tournament's opening day. Morelia hasn't lost since.
Regardless of their records, players from both teams know their coaches are looking forward to winning this match.
And there's added pressure from the team owners, the presidents of the TV networks.
Emilio Azcárraga Jean, who owns Televisa, and Ricardo Salinas Pliego, of TV Azteca, always give their respective coaches added incentive to win this game. They both offer them some sort of prize.
América and Monarcas have faced each other 65 times since 1981. América leads the series 28-17-20.
One interesting fact is that Morelia has not lost recent matches at Estadio Azteca, América's home stadium. Their last loss in Mexico City came during the 2007 Apertura Tournament.
TV Azteca has the upper hand in recent years with a 2-1 record against Televisa in this series.
The Xolos
The Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente – the Division de Ascenso defending champion – has not lost at home since March 28, Week 14 of last year's tournament. Tijuana will look to extend that unbeaten streak, and their first three points at home, when they host Albinegros de Orizaba in a match scheduled for Sunday 3 p.m.
Mexican League Week 7 Schedule
Friday, Feb. 18
Estudiantes vs. Atlante 6:10 p.m.
San Luis vs. Pumas 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Monterrey vs. Tigres 3 p.m.
Cruz Azul vs. Atlas 3 p.m.
Chivas vs. Pachuca 5 p.m.
Santos vs. Queretaro 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Puebla vs. Jaguares 10 a.m.
Toluca vs. Necaxa 10 a.m.
América vs. Morelia 2 p.m.
(All times Pacific)
